How Are Cockroaches Born?

WouterOctober 1, 2022

When cockroaches reproduce, they produce eggs that develop outside their body. These eggs develop into a bean-like sac called an ootheca. It may contain as many as fifty eggs. Most species will deposit their egg cases in a safe place in the nest, but there are some species that carry their egg cases on their abdomens.

After about 28 days, the eggs hatch. Each successive instar is similar to the adult cockroach. Some species molt several times during their life, while others can live for up to two years. Cockroaches are generally found in warm, humid environments. Many species live on wood or other organic material.

Female cockroaches reproduce by laying eggs. The female produces pheromones that attract males. When a male enters a female’s nest, it battles for her attention. Females can produce dozens of generations of all-female roaches without finding a mate.

Female cockroaches lay their eggs on surfaces where they can live in darkness and humidity. Female cockroaches carry the ootheca on their abdomen, but before hatching the eggs, they drop it somewhere else. A mouth secretion helps glue the ootheca to a surface. The ootheca is usually black and contains around 14-16 eggs.

Cockroaches are social insects, though they are not like termites. They do not have a queen, but they live in clusters and prefer living together. This means that groups of cockroaches are often more likely to survive if they have a chance to congregate.